Jim Schwartz expects Myles Garrett to elevate his game further after signing a record-breaking four-year deal averaging \$40 million annually, emphasizing leadership, consistency, and game-changing impact on defense.

When Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett signed a new four-year contract extension averaging $40 million annually, it not only made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL—it also sent a message. The Browns are all-in on Garrett as the cornerstone of their defense, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is holding him to an even higher standard.

While some may see the deal as a reward for past dominance, Schwartz sees it as a starting point—a call for Garrett to evolve from a premier pass rusher into a complete, game-controlling force who elevates those around him and anchors the Browns’ identity on defense.

A New Chapter in Garrett’s Already Stellar Career

Since being selected first overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Myles Garrett has done exactly what the Browns hoped for—and then some. He has terrorized quarterbacks, accumulated double-digit sacks in five of his seven NFL seasons, and earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He is widely regarded as one of the top two or three edge defenders in the league, with a rare blend of speed, strength, and football IQ.

But with a new contract comes new expectations.

Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a coach known for his aggressive and disruptive defensive schemes, Garrett is expected not only to continue his individual dominance but also to become a more vocal and influential leader.

“When you pay a guy at that level, you’re not just investing in stats,” Schwartz said during a media session. “You’re investing in leadership, preparation, effort, and impact beyond the numbers.”

Schwartz’s Philosophy: Impact Over Stats

Jim Schwartz is no stranger to coaching elite defensive linemen. He’s helped develop and maximize the talents of All-Pro defenders such as Albert Haynesworth, Ndamukong Suh, Fletcher Cox, and others. His track record shows he understands how to unlock another gear in high-level athletes, and that’s exactly what he intends to do with Garrett.

While Garrett has already proven capable of producing gaudy sack totals, Schwartz’s system is focused on consistent disruption—creating chaos in the backfield, forcing errant throws, tipping passes, shutting down the run, and being a presence offenses must game-plan around on every down.

“Sacks are great,” Schwartz said. “But pressure, disruption, and consistent impact—those are the things that shift games.”

This shift in focus means Garrett will be asked to expand his role—not just as a pass rusher on third down, but as a tone-setter from the first snap. Schwartz wants Garrett to dominate in ways that may not always appear on the stat sheet but are immediately felt by the opposing offense.

Leadership by Example and Voice

Another area where Schwartz expects Garrett to grow is as a vocal leader. While Garrett has always led by example with his preparation and work ethic, Schwartz wants to see him take a more active role in guiding younger players and holding teammates accountable.

“You can’t be the highest-paid guy in the room and be silent,” Schwartz remarked. “Players follow what they see and what they hear. Myles has the credibility—now it’s about using that to elevate the guys around him.”

This evolution into a more vocal presence is already underway. Reports from offseason workouts indicate Garrett has taken on a more active mentoring role with younger players, particularly the Browns’ emerging group of defensive linemen and linebackers. From on-field technique to film-room study habits, Garrett is making an effort to pass down the knowledge and discipline that made him elite.

Embracing the Pressure

There’s no denying that a $160 million extension comes with pressure—media scrutiny, locker room expectations, and constant attention. But if there’s one player who seems unfazed by the weight of that responsibility, it’s Garrett.

Known for his calm demeanor and intellectual curiosity off the field—Garrett is an avid reader, a poet, and a fan of history—he has always maintained a composed approach to fame and fortune. In interviews, he has expressed that the money doesn’t change his motivation; in fact, it fuels it.

“I’ve always played to be great,” Garrett said recently. “The contract just means I’ve got more to live up to. I’ve got to be better—because that’s what the team is asking for, and that’s what I ask of myself.”

Garrett’s maturity and discipline are exactly why Schwartz believes he can handle the dual pressures of performance and leadership. Unlike some stars who grow complacent after a big payday, Garrett appears even more driven, using the contract as a challenge rather than a reward.

Fitting Into Schwartz’s System

The Browns’ defense under Schwartz is built on an aggressive, attacking front designed to penetrate quickly and disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. It’s a perfect fit for Garrett’s skill set, but it also demands responsibility—assignment discipline, awareness, and the ability to trust in the system.

Schwartz emphasizes defensive line play as the engine of the defense. If the front four can dominate, it allows the back seven to play faster and more freely. Garrett will likely be moved around more in Schwartz’s scheme—lining up on either edge, inside on passing downs, and occasionally standing up as a rover in exotic looks.

This versatility will give offenses more to worry about but will also ask Garrett to master a wider array of techniques and reads.

“We’re going to put him in spots where he can affect the game the most,” Schwartz said. “But that also means trusting the system and being willing to adapt week-to-week.”

A Legacy in Progress

At 29, Garrett is entering the prime of his career. He’s already built a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé, but the next four years—under the largest contract of his career—will define how he’s remembered in both Cleveland and NFL history.

Can he lead the Browns to a championship-caliber defense? Can he consistently dominate in all phases of the game? Can he be the vocal, respected leader in the locker room and in the community? These are the challenges that come with his new status, and Schwartz believes he is ready.

“It’s about legacy now,” Schwartz said. “What kind of impact do you want to leave behind? Myles has a chance to be one of the greatest ever—not just here, but league-wide.”

Garrett, who often speaks about wanting to bring a championship to Cleveland, has echoed similar sentiments. He sees this contract not just as a reward, but as a mission statement—a sign of trust from the organization that he must now validate with impact and consistency.

Team Dynamics and Building a Championship Contender

Schwartz also emphasized that while Garrett is the centerpiece, building a championship defense takes more than one superstar. That’s where Garrett’s leadership becomes even more important. It’s about raising the level of play across the entire unit.

The Browns have surrounded Garrett with talent—Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Denzel Ward, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and more. But for all these pieces to click, the defense needs a singular leader, someone who sets the tone and rallies the group.

Schwartz sees Garrett as that figure.

“You look at championship defenses—there’s always one guy who embodies what they stand for. For us, that’s Myles,” Schwartz stated.

As training camp approaches and the Browns aim to return to playoff contention in a competitive AFC North, the spotlight will shine even brighter on Garrett. Every snap, every rush, and every leadership moment will be magnified.

But if Schwartz’s confidence in him is any indication, Garrett is not only ready for the moment—he’s hungry for it.

Final Thoughts: Greatness Redefined

Myles Garrett’s new contract is not just a reflection of what he’s done—it’s a declaration of what the Browns believe he will do next. And with Jim Schwartz pushing him to evolve from elite to legendary, all eyes are on Garrett as he enters what could be the most defining stretch of his career.

The expectations are enormous. The pressure is real. But so is the opportunity.

For Garrett, it’s about more than sacks or accolades. It’s about legacy. It’s about impact. And under Jim Schwartz’s watchful eye, it’s about becoming the kind of player who changes not just games—but the future of a franchise.